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Ortiz leaves club to attend to personal matter

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Designated hitter David Ortiz will be away from the Red Sox for a few days as he attends to a personal issue, according to manager John Farrell.

Wednesday was Ortiz's first day away, and it's believed that he went home to the Dominican Republic. Farrell said that Ortiz will rejoin the team "no later than Friday."

Farrell added that Ortiz, who is coming off a serious injury to his right Achilles, is getting closer to running the bases. Ortiz had been participating in running and agility drills before taking his leave. Both he and the Red Sox have maintained that he will be ready to play come Opening Day.